Boston, Jun 24 (V7N) – France head coach Didier Deschamps has returned to France following the death of his mother and will miss his team's final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway.
According to reports, Deschamps received the news of his mother's death on Tuesday morning. Following the development, the French Football Federation (FFF) granted the 57-year-old permission to travel back to France to attend the funeral.
In a statement, the FFF confirmed that Deschamps would be unavailable for France's final group-stage fixture against Norway, scheduled to take place in Boston on Friday.
During his absence, assistant coach Guy Stéphane will take temporary charge of the French national team.
France have already secured qualification for the knockout stage after winning their opening two matches of the tournament. Les Bleus defeated Senegal 3-1 in New Jersey before recording a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq.
The match against Norway will determine the final standings at the top of Group I, although France's place in the next round is already assured.
Deschamps is widely regarded as one of the most successful figures in French football history. As a player, he captained France to their first FIFA World Cup title in 1998 on home soil.
He was appointed head coach of the national team in 2012 and has since guided France to major international success, including victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Under his leadership, France also reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, finishing runners-up after a dramatic defeat to Argentina.
The French squad is expected to continue preparations for the Norway match under Stéphane's supervision while offering support to Deschamps and his family during their time of mourning.
END/SMA/AJ
